Business travellers looking on a tight schedule usually have only a day or two from a busy week, available for recreation and look for excursions around Delhi to unwind. Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal presents itself as a worthy contestant of your time. Most travellers make the common mistake of thinking that Taj sightseeing is the only thing to do around town – there is a ton of other things to see and do around town if you are planning to visit Agra. Read on to find out the best ways of unwinding around Agra, specially curated for you – the business traveller.
The Obvious
The Taj Mahal – one of the most gorgeous monuments on the planet, is indeed a sight to behold! It is no accident that millions of tourists visit this epitome of white marble each year. It is renowned for its beauty, so much so that you’d think almost every one of those tourists must know the monument inside-out. Surprisingly, this is not true – most are not even aware that the best views of the Taj can be had during sunrise and sunset because, in these precious hours, the changing colours of the sun paint the white marble on the Taj to beautiful golden-yellow hues. Even a lesser number of people would check out the Mehtab Bagh – the symmetrical gardens which offer stunning views of the Taj. You can not miss these tips for an unforgettable Taj photography experience!
Most tourists visiting the Taj are usually on the Golden Triangle tour circuit – a tour of the three cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and hence, rarely have the time to take a coveted boat ride in the evening on the river Yamuna. If you could squeeze this into your schedule, it would reward you with some of the most stunning views of the Taj.
The lesser-known
Many first-timers have heard of the Taj Mahal, but do not know about this magnificent complex near Agra built by the grandfather of Shah Jahan – the emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal. The Fatehpur Sikri complex is made largely with red sandstone and adorned by a colossal entrance called the Buland Darwaza – a 55 meters tall gateway. This forted city also houses a mosque and several tombs, notably the tomb of a Sufi saint – Salim Chishti. Legend has it that the complex was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar after a prophecy about the birth of his son came true.
The Town
Agra is known not only for the Taj but also the Agra Fort – a majestic walled wonder, that is a perfect combination of Mughal and Hindu architecture. The street food of Agra needs no introduction, for it is the home of sumptuous Mughlai cuisine. Relish authentic Tandoori Chicken or delectable Chaat at one of the streets vendors in Sadar Bazar or one of the numerous speciality restaurants. The Kinari Bazar offers a value for money shopping experience – you can find authentic Indian attire, handmade shoes, leather goods and much more. Besides this, you can also check out the Kalakriti Dance Drama Show – a one of a kind live performance that recreates the bygone era of the Mughal empire. Sheroes – a café run by acid-attack survivors is worth checking out too. It was set up by a social worker in hopes of rehabilitating females who were outcasted by society after surviving an acid attack.
Do not forget to check out the signature marble souvenirs before you leave Agra for Delhi or continue your Delhi, Agra, Jaipur tour!
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